Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style:
Hey there, Kitchies! Let’s get into the sweet spirit of Valentine’s Day with a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—Valentine Spritz Cookies. These aren’t your average cookies. Oh no, they’re buttery, delicate, and just the right amount of sweet, pressed into adorable heart shapes and decked out in all the pink and red sprinkles you can find. If cookies could send love notes, these would be writing sonnets.
I remember the first time I pulled out my old spritz cookie press—dusty from the back of the cabinet—and decided to give it a whirl. The result? A batch of beautifully shaped, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that were almost too pretty to eat (but we managed). They’ve become a Valentine’s Day tradition in our house ever since. These cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or just treating yourself because, let’s be honest, we all deserve a little extra love sometimes.
The best part? They come together in no time. Simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a big payoff in both taste and presentation. Whether you’re making them for your sweetheart, your kids’ classroom party, or just for you (because self-love is real), these cookies will have everyone swooning.
Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:
These Valentine Spritz Cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat to celebrate love. Made with a simple buttery dough, they’re pressed into sweet heart shapes and decorated with festive sprinkles for that perfect Valentine’s flair. They’re crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and totally addictive.
Whether you’re baking for a romantic evening, a family treat, or a classroom party, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. Plus, they’re fun to customize with colored sugars, frosting, or even a chocolate drizzle.
Exciting Story:
These cookies hold a special place in my heart because they’ve become a part of our family’s Valentine’s Day tradition. I started making them when my daughter was just old enough to help in the kitchen. She loved picking out the sprinkle colors and using the cookie press to make heart shapes. Now, it’s our little tradition to bake these together every year, with flour on our faces and sprinkles all over the floor.
My husband? He’s the ultimate taste tester. The first time he tried one, he said, “These are like little bites of love!”—and that’s exactly what they are. We package them up in cute little boxes for friends and neighbors, but somehow, a big batch always stays right here at home.
Why These Valentine Spritz Cookies Are the Perfect Sweet Treat
💖 The Ultimate Selling Points 💖
✔ Buttery & Light – They melt in your mouth with every bite.
✔ Adorable Shapes – Perfect hearts, flowers, and more with the spritz press.
✔ Festive & Fun – Decorate with colorful sprinkles or a chocolate drizzle.
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Perfect for Gifting – Sweet, homemade treats for your loved ones.
Cuisine: American
Ingredients – Simple & Sweet
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for that classic spritz flavor)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pink, red, or white sprinkles (for decorating)
- Gel food coloring (optional, for colorful cookies)
How to Make Valentine Spritz Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper (or leave them ungreased if your press works better that way).
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Color & Shape the Cookies
- If you’re using food coloring, divide the dough and add a few drops to each portion, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
- Load the dough into your spritz cookie press fitted with your favorite Valentine’s shape (hearts are a must!).
- Press the cookies directly onto the baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles before baking.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Valentine Spritz Cookies
✔ Use Room Temperature Butter – This helps the dough press out smoothly.
✔ Don’t Chill the Dough – Unlike other cookies, spritz dough works best at room temp.
✔ Press Directly onto Cool, Unlined Sheets – This helps the cookies stick and hold their shape.
✔ Get Creative with Colors – Use pink, red, or even a touch of purple for a Valentine’s vibe.
✔ Add a Drizzle – Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Substitutions and Variations:
🔹 Flavor Boost: Swap almond extract for lemon, orange, or rose water for a fun twist.
🔹 Chocolate Lovers: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts.
🔹 Jam-Filled: Press a thumbprint into the center before baking and fill with a dollop of raspberry jam.
🔹 Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them celiac-friendly.
🔹 Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Make a Healthier Version:
✅ Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
✅ Swap sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup.
✅ Try vegan butter and a flax egg for a plant-based version.
✅ Add a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra fiber.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
And there you have it! These Valentine Spritz Cookies are the perfect way to say “I love you” with a sweet little bite. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and impossible to resist.
Whether you’re gifting them to your sweetheart or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra love to your day. Don’t forget to let us know how they turned out, and check out our other sweet treats for every occasion!
Relevant Categories:
- Desserts
- Holiday Recipes
- Valentine’s Day
- Baking
- Snacks
Tags:
- Valentine’s Day Cookies
- Spritz Cookies
- Easy Baking Recipes
- Holiday Treats
- Buttery Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need a spritz cookie press to make these?
Yes, but you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten with a fork if you don’t have one. - Why aren’t my spritz cookies sticking to the baking sheet?
Make sure your baking sheet is cool and ungreased—that helps the dough stick better. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. - How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the same great texture. - Why is my dough too stiff to press?
It might be too cold—let it warm up to room temperature before trying again. - Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the texture. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! They store well and even taste better the next day. - What’s the best butter to use?
Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness. - Can I dip these in chocolate?
Yes! Once cooled, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for an extra special touch.
Valentine Spritz Cookies
Description
These Valentine Spritz Cookies are the perfect bite-sized treat to celebrate love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for that classic spritz flavor)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pink, red, or white sprinkles (for decorating)
- Gel food coloring (optional, for colorful cookies)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper (or leave them ungreased if your press works better that way).
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Color & Shape the Cookies
- If you’re using food coloring, divide the dough and add a few drops to each portion, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
- Load the dough into your spritz cookie press fitted with your favorite Valentine’s shape (hearts are a must!).
- Press the cookies directly onto the baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles before baking.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
